mikrokosmos228

I bet. I am excited for the rewatch.

Rewatching this drama... what an experience. Now that I am no longer plowing through the episodes, I can truly savor and appreciate each episode and what's right in front of me. Notwithstanding the amazing things to come, just that first episode for instance... no fancy, dramatic music; how understated, muted that first meeting is. Nothing is being said, yet so much is being said. It slowly draws you in and leaves you with hope of what's to come.

He was absolutely hilarious and so charming in My Fated Boy, while brooding, silent and sizzling in Speed and Love. Like this dichotomy is giving me whiplash. What a super talented actor. And fine af.

In my view, Speed and Love is not unlike those classic dark romance novels from the old days that I'd forgotten about, but nonetheless happy to have received in this format. As absurd as the plot is, the execution made all the difference. The characters feel real. The action and racing scenes are well done. There is this melancholy yet romantic atmosphere throughout, and the setting and music enhance this so well. The drama peaked my interest from the promo posters and these photos did not mislead me at all because they perfectly capture the vibe of the drama. I've always liked Esther Yu, while He Yu has to be one of the most talented actors I've ever come across, not to mention, hot as hell. I enjoyed watching different looks flash cross his face: desire, jealousy, playfulness, rage, heartbreak. It's wild because their chemistry somehow strikes this amazing balance between innocence and delicious sexual tension, like he's going to strike any moment and devour her. And I don't even know why I was worried about the last arc. From start to finish it was absolutely amazing. As their relationship turns romantic, the chemistry rivals those of uninhibited web dramas. The acting, the directing, the cinematography, the music (that beautiful, beautiful OST) all come together to make these scenes electrifying. The pull is so strong I don't even realize I'm so close to the screen at times! I joined late but the hype is valid and I had to write a review (longer review in review section). This drama will sit up there for me as one of those unique take on the beloved romance genre and remain unforgettable.

Same! I was surprised by her kissing him, but even more so when he returned the kiss. I thought he was just going to be in a daze, starting at her but he actually kissed her back! lol sooo cute.

These sisters have to be the most adorable siblings I have ever seen. And then he joins them and it's like the most adorable little family I have ever seen.

There are many wonderful scenes of the leads but I have to say my favorite is the flower petal scene. The way he tranforms the phantom into a shower of flowers, as time slows and the music crescendos...what a whimsical way to turn the heroine's nightmare into a dream.

What an underrated gem! Loved it so much I wrote a review. The comedy is on point while the emotionally charged scenes are wonderfully handled. Best of all: THE LEADS. The bond that these two have fostered since childhood is the cutest, while as adults they both had me laughing and swooning left and right. Also, I'm impressed with He Yu's portrayal of Lu Zheng An. Boyish yet mature. And what a flirt! He is incredibly charming and manages to be both funny and hot all at the same time. His energy, enthusiasm, and excitement for the female lead is infectious; I couldn't stop smiling. Fantastic rom-com!

What an unexpected treat. This is by far one of the best romances set in high school. For a movie I randomly picked up, I never thought I would love it so much to be compelled to write a review. With a pumping soundtrack that also plays a narrative part, it's a film that is an instant pick me up and completely caught me off guard with how endearing the leads are together. So freakin' CUTE.

Oh that's incredible, sounds like a prodigy. Also, he dubbed himself, right? I think that's also rare from what I understand. I'm not a native speaker so I can't tell for certain but regardless his delivery sounds amazing; I might even say poetic at times. I understand that's part of his Duke Su veneer, the way he speaks in this quiet, effortless manner that nevertheless cuts deep. For him as an actor I think the drama is the best he could have hoped for to began what hopefully is a long career; the perfect combination of character, story, and presentation that serve to enhance his natural talents. And fantastic chemistry with Wu Jin Yan, whom I've liked since Story of Yanxi Palace.

I'm rewatching after the initial watch a year ago, mostly scenes of the leads together, as well as any with Duke Su and I'm still impressed. The drama demonstrates all the best elements this type of drama has to offer: stunning leads, strong acting and script, commanding direction (those close-up shots!), pulsing music, and gorgeous, lush cinemotography. Not to mention such talent, especially Wang Xingyue who is able to carry so much gravitas for someone so young. With such focus watch, I was able to fully observe and truly enjoy the gradual shift in the leads' relationship over the course of the drama, especially from Duke Su's lens, from intrigue and spectator, to actively assisting, and their mutual exchange of trust and support between all that flirting. Such great watch.

This drama deserves more views and higher rating. It defies all that I know of vertical dramas, which are often a hot mess with makjang plot filled with villains who are bonkers; whereas this is a complete rom-com and a high-quality one at that. It's the little every day moments of their marriage that draws you in. I adore how he holds her head in comfort; it's the sweetest. But he is also such a tease lol. These two absolutely put a huge smile on my face.

I want more dark and delicious Cheng Lei a la My Journey to You. He can side-eye me anytime.

Aside from the fight sequences, I also really like the stance each player takes, whether in preparation for the fight or to signify a killing blow. Each appear to have this unique approach to how they dance around their opponent; feels like a work of art.

Yokohama Ryusei cameo caught me completely off guard in episode 6! It's also my favorite episode; left me feeling stoked for Chapter 2.

I'm sure this has been said before but this is probably the most aesthetically pleasing drama I've seen. Half the time I'm distracted by everything and everyone; even the extras are gorgeous lol. And the other half is like an internal battle between thinking how cute the leads are as a couple and figuring out who's prettier in any given scene: the female lead or the male lead lol.

Ok that scallion pancake reveal had me audibly going OHHHHH. I thought the earlier scene was comical/cute with how he casually tossed out that monumental statement. But now it all makes sense. That's incredibly sweet.

Aside from the acting and music, what I like about this show is how well it is directed and produced. The excellent production quality transforms what could have been campy, even potentially cringe scenes involving dark magic stuff into something you could completely immerse yourself in as a viewer. Combine that with Cheng Lei who is magnetic in anything he's in and Song Yi with her understated grace, it's a good watch overall. When he drinks her blood, for instance, yes it feeds (no pun intended) into certain romantic fantasies but it is also strange and mysterious and fascinating. And the fight sequences throughout the drama are exhilarating. I love that our couple kick ass independently and together. I especially like the last stretch. I always enjoy dramas like this because it allows for resetting of the relationship. I like watching the leads fall in love all over again and this part is especially memorable. Cheng Lei is incredible. He carries so much gravitas. I like him best as Prince Annan. Not that I didn't like him as Jin'An. He is amusing and the way he follows her around like a puppy is sweet. I'm smiling recalling the way he got super excited over a shooting star lol. But as Prince Annan he has this commanding presence that I could get lost in; not to mention such a feast on the eyes. The pacing could definitely be better but in the last stretch I didn't want the drama to end. All in all, a great watch. Also, shout out to the healer couple!

The kiss scene in episode 25 has such a wow factor. I know this drama is liberal with intimate scenes but that was the first in a while and totally worth the wait. The way he looks in those braids... the way she's embarassed but too curious to not ask about their soul manor and his cheeky "very often" response lol. And then the kiss in the water where they're both clearly flushed with all that dripping water. Artfully sensual.

I just started Shadow Love and him at 15:33 is fine AF. I don't know how I'm going to survive the rest of the drama lol.